The Listener

They stop and tell me bit by bit
Their side of the tale
I am careful to not divulge that I have heard
Six other versions
Six other sides
Encouraging them to continue
So I have a few more pieces
And they will continue to stop by and trust me
I listen hard,
Not interjecting.
Not suggesting.
Not interrupting.
It is difficult, but it helps them to keep coming.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Onclaud Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 7:11 PM
as a counselor on the side, i was taught how to listen with empathy... ohh, i still try each day, care,.. fine work!... huggs
Krutsinger Avatar
March 16, 2019 at 1:18 AM
Thank you so much, my friend.
Dietrich Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 6:47 PM
very very good. The cleverness of one who "listens."
Krutsinger Avatar
March 16, 2019 at 1:36 AM
It is not always easy, but I force myself, knowing they will not come back if I violate their trust or give suggestions.
Romios Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 4:39 PM
caren, help. On my page the edit thingie is gone. do you know what the symbol to the left means? I enlarged the page and still cannot figure out what it is.I know I will not touch it. Lost in space, Panagiota
Krutsinger Avatar
March 16, 2019 at 1:23 AM
Panagiota, this is how I edit. Go to Member area (in black) on the top left. Go down to Manage Poems (the 4th line down). Click on Manage Poems. When you get there, the edit PEN should be there, and you can edit. You have to remember to hit SAVE at the end. Let me know if it does not work.
Harper Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 4:33 PM
Sounds like you have many friends, all those tale bringing friends with lots of stories. Good attitude, it offers a good way to think about friends, enjoyed reading it.
Krutsinger Avatar
March 16, 2019 at 1:37 AM
I work in an elementary school, Sheri. I am the school counselor. The children come during the day. The teachers come during their break times or before or after school. I would have a coffee pot but it would be dangerous with so many children who pop in and out sometimes when I am in a classroom teaching.
Romios Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 4:30 PM
Caren, listening is something we all need to do. Shutting u and let others speak gives them space to be! Thank you for everything thing.,including listening to me. Love, Panagiota.
Krutsinger Avatar
March 16, 2019 at 1:38 AM
You are welcome for anything I have done. Ha! I like listening; it is the way I get STORY ideas! I am usually jotting down ideas all the time. On napkins, paper towels, grocery receipts, anything I can find at that moment.
Rose  Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 11:01 AM
Listening is a rare gift that is dying with the noise of todays urgency. Love your tender writes dear Caren. xo
Krutsinger Avatar
March 15, 2019 at 3:01 PM
Thank you Pixie. I have been trained to listen, and it is difficult sometimes to not interrupt.
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